By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
Age bias is real, but it doesn’t have to be your reality. In today’s job market, older workers commonly view their age as a major barrier to finding new opportunities. Many older job seekers worry that potential employers will view their age as a negative rather than a positive asset. However, it’s important not to let this fear hinder your search. If you want to avoid age bias when applying for a job and continue to approach the interview process with confidence, follow these tips:
stay positive
Indeed, ageism has increased in recent years. However, age bias is not something you can control, so it’s important to stay positive no matter what. If a recruiter or hiring manager feels like you’re ashamed of your age, they may be more likely to use your age as an excuse to reject you. Stay positive, confident, and focus on what you can offer the employer, not just what the employer can offer you.
Don’t be ashamed of your age
When you’re looking for a job, it’s easy to get caught up in the negativity of ageism. However, it’s important to remember that age has nothing to do with skill, ability, or productivity. Age discrimination occurs when potential employers make assumptions about your abilities based on your age rather than your experience. That’s why it’s so important to avoid making age the focus during your job search. You want your employer to fall in love with your skills, not your age.
Stay current and relevant
A major misconception about older workers is that they are irrelevant in today’s job market. However, many older workers are well aware of the latest trends and changes in their industry. They spend years honing their skills and becoming masters. If you are currently employed, make sure to stay abreast of industry changes and stay up to date on any new or emerging technologies in your field. Additionally, consider taking courses or seminars to learn about the latest trends and technologies. If you are not currently employed, consider taking a class or workshop to develop new skills that may be useful in your field. Proving that you are current and relevant will help overcome any misunderstandings your potential employer may have about your age.
network
After completing their resume and cover letter, the next step that too many job seekers overlook is networking. It’s important to get out and meet new people and start making connections in your industry. This is a great way to demonstrate your current knowledge and build a support system of people who can help you find a job. Make an effort to get to know others in your industry, especially those in positions of power. Aim to attend industry events and conferences and introduce yourself to new people. You never know who may be able to help you find your next job, so it’s important to make networking a priority when applying for a job.
Focus on your experience and skills
As you go through the interview process, it’s important to focus on showcasing your experience and skills and explaining why you’re the right person for the job, rather than proving that you’re not too old. It’s also important to make sure your resume is appropriate for every new job you apply for. Although your skills may be a good fit for a position, they may not be relevant or impressive to an employer if they are not highlighted in your resume. When looking for a job, it’s important to tailor your resume to each position to maximize your chances of getting an interview. Without an interview, you rarely get hired.
Leverage resources for older job seekers
There are many resources for older job seekers. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has a career committee Offers nearly 1 million searchable jobs as well as information on career paths and job search advice. CareerOneStop provides information for workers 55+ and many others who will help you find your next job. my website, big game hunter.usa blog with thousands of searchable posts about your job search, as well as information about courses, books, and guides to help you find your next company faster. If you’re worried about being rejected because of your age, these tools can help you avoid age bias and continue your job search with confidence.
If you are an employer
The World Economic Forum predicts that the number of workers aged 65 and over is expected to increase from one quarter in 2019 to two fifths by 2050. Ageism remains a recognized form of discrimination, especially among those who reject other forms of prejudice. Because influencing a culture takes time, it’s important to start changing the climate now to increase acceptance of older professionals.
“Acquiring new skills or sharing skills with others can enrich the experience. However, for older people, this appears to remain a challenge rather than a springboard to a new career or new role in the workplace. Employers and colleagues are thereby missing out on the huge assets that older workers can bring to the table with their professional and life experiences,” said Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President for Democracy and Demography, European Commission.
bottom line
Ageism does exist, but it’s not something you can control as an individual. You can’t let its presence hinder your ability to find new opportunities. It’s important to stay positive, not be ashamed of your age, stay current, network, focus on your experience and skills, and tap into resources for older job seekers. Doing so will help you overcome any misconceptions potential employers may have about your age, allowing you to find your next great opportunity and achieve world-class results. For employers, efforts to promote inclusion must also extend to older workers.
Ⓒ Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC, 2022
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